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Why you'll love the Arch of Triumph
One of the most visited Parisians monuments (after the Eiffel Tower of course), the Arch of Triumph was built by Napoleon and stands firmly inside a star created by 12 large boulevards. Some were actually named for the battles won by Napoleon himself.
In the center of the monument, lies the “Body of the Unknown Soldier” which represents all soldiers who have died in battle. A flame is lit every evening at the head of the tomb and many of the military holidays or events are celebrated at this monument.
If you are lucky enough to be in Paris on July 14th, we recommend seeing the military parade in the morning, that starts at the Arch of Triumph and goes all the way down the Champs Elysees to the Concorde. If you’re lucky enough, you may even see the President of France!
A little
bit of history about the Arch of Triumph
The Arch of Triumph was originally built for Napoleon after his win in Austerlitz in 1806. However, it was never finished under Napoleon and stood half built until 1833 when the king of France had it finished.
Take Metro 1, 2, or 6, or RER A to stop CHARLES DE GAULLE-ETOILE and use exit [1] Champs Elysée, Arc de Triomphe.
Do not try and cross over-ground to get to the Arch of Triumph! If you take Metro exit 1 (as indicated above), go straight towards the Arch of Triumph and there will be an underground pass way to the actual monument.
Seeing the monument is free but if you would like to go to the top of the Arch of Triumph, unguided visits are: 8€ regular price, and 5€ for the reduced price.
Open from April 1 to September 30: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. from October 1 to March 31: 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m. The cash desk closes 1/2 hour before. Closed on January 1, May 1, May 8 (morning) July 14 (morning), November 11 (morning) and December 25.
Under the king, the monument represented “The Peace of 1815”, and no longer Austerlitz's win. In 1920, the body of an unknown soldier who had died in World War I was buried here to commemorate those who had died in the war. After World War II, the unknown soldier came to commemorate those who had died in all wars. A flame constantly burns on this grave and is re-lit every evening at 6:30.
On November 11 (Armistice Day), the president of France lays a wreath on the grave. Today, the Arch of Triumph is still the largest triumphal arch in the world and as you stand at its top, the size of it will impress even the biggest football player.
